powders for 223 ar-15

[bender]

Haven't shot mine much as of yet. Have shot maybe 150 rounds (50 factory, 100 handloads).

If I remember right, I loaded with a mid-range load of 4198, with 55gr bullets. Function was good. Rifle has a 1:10 twist.

my questions are: what other powders are better for the ar-15? I mean in terms of burning rate, safe for the rifle, and all that. I've read about powders being "too slow" "too fast" blah blah.

rifle powders I currently have at home: 4198, imr4895, imr4350, AA1680

Even though my rifle may be working fine, I don't want to be harming it by using something too slow, too fast, or too dirty, or....

thanks!!

 

[ocabj]

If you're loading on the cheap, order the WC844 or WC846 from Pat's Reloading.

Don't be overly concerned with burn rates. The AR gas system isn't like the M1 Garand. Operates in a different manner so it is more forgiving as far as powder types. You pretty much just need to use a powder that gives you a safe load (according to SAAMI specs) that will still operate the gas system.

 

[Khornet]

AR-15 powders

I've had good luck with 4895 and Winchester 748. I once pulled the bullet from a GI case and found it full of a ball powder, about 27 grains as I recall.

 

[trickyasafox]

USE DATA AT YOUR OWN RISK

25.4 gr IMR 4895
mixed cases
Rem SRP
55gr FMJ
seated to cannalure

i shoot a lot of this load with good results. it's below published maxes, but see what works for you.

 

[Idano]

Correct me if I am wrong but is IMR4895 an extruded powder? If it is extruded and you are reloading on a progressive press I would recommend switching to a ball or flake power for metering consistency. I am currently using Accurate 2200 but unfortunately it is no longer available. If you want to keep your expenses down look for a fast burning pull down power otherwise you might want to consider Ramshot X-Terminator or equivalent.

 

[treebeard]

H335 for my 50-60gr. bullets and 2230 for my Sierra 69gr. HPBT bullets.

 

[Lennyjoe]

My 16" Oly loves 26.0gr of H-335 and CCI mag primers under 55gr FMJ's.

Also, my shooting pardner's 20" Bushie likes 26.0gr of Varget under 55gr FMJ's.

 

[Fat_46]

Try Ramshot Tac.

I almost guarantee you will stop using other powders.

Meters excellent, burns completely, and easy to clean up after shooting.

 

[MarinePride]

I've found Varget to give the best velocities using a 55 gr. bullet, which is what I load the most.

 

[SUBMOAS]

Accurate Powders

2015...................
Is what I use

 

[taliv]

accurate 2230 is good. varget is good for HP, but a little too expensive for blasting. i've purchased 96 lbs of accurate "data powders" for using in 223. those have been 2230c, DP73 and DP74. i've been very happy.

if you want to spend some bucks, vv is fantastic, N340 or 540 (high energy) i believe

 

[MNgoldenbear]

NOOOO N340! That's a pistol/shotgun powder (cf. Power Pistol, 800-X).

N540 could be used, as well as N135 or N140.

I've shot mostly IMR-4895 and W748 in my AR using 69 gr Sierras. Works fine.

 

[highlander 5]

the two surplus powders mentoined in earlier thread WW748 or Blc 2 AA2230

 

[The-Fly]

I've tried Varget and 2230 in 223. Didn't care for varget, it didnt meter well in my 550, and required compressed loads for the velocity I wanted with a 55gr bullet. Switched to 2230 and couldn't be happier. 25.5gr with 55gr bullet gives me about 3050 fps out of a 16" barrel. Meters very consistently to boot.

 

[bender]

thanks for the suggestions. Although I'm shooting up my 55gr bullets now, I plan to normally use 62gr or 64gr after they are gone.

I tried loading my 64gr win PP bullets last weekend, but I was having trouble. Couldn't get the bullet to stay in place (it easily falls into the case). These win bullets dont have a cannelure, and I just couldn't get the die adjusted properly (lee 2 die set). Crumpled a couple cases slightly, so when I backed out the die just a little bit (less than 1/2 turn) then there was absolutely no crimp and the bullets just slid into the case. Gave up on those bullets, and ordered a Lee factory crimp 223 die to try again next time.

edit: I don't care anymore about what powders meter good, and which ones don't... I ordered one of those RCBS Chargemaster 1500 eletric powder dispenser/scale things... Can't wait to set it up!! (haven't got it yet in the mail)

 

[taliv]

yep, you're right golden bear! my memory's been pretty bad lately. i'm going to have to start looking things up

 

[Steel Talon]

AA 2230 works well for me.

Peace
Steel Talon